A joint meeting of the Senate and the National Assembly’s law and justice standing committees on Sunday approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with minor changes, setting the stage for its tabling in and subsequent approval by Parliament.
Among the stated aims of the bills is the establishment of a federal constitutional court, permanent immunity to the president, transfer of judges, and lifetime status to the field marshal rank. Amendments to Article 243 also call for a new military command structure, while the government is aiming to conduct Senate elections nationwide simultaneously.
Speaking with media after the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed all key amendments, including changes to Article 243, had been approved. Senator Farooq H. Naek, who presided over the meeting, said the bill was adopted with minor changes, adding him and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar were empowered to make a few amendments.
Not approved, however, were proposals of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) seeking to empower local governments; an Awami National Party (ANP) demand to changing the name of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa; and a Balochistan National Party demand to increase the seats in the province.
The committees’ report on the proposed 27th Amendment would be tabled before the Senate today (Monday).
‘National unity’
During a dinner of ruling coalition senators on Sunday night, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised allies for their support in advancing the 27th Constitutional Amendment, dubbing it a reflection of “national unity and collective resolve.” Maintaining the ruling coalition partners had stood with the government to strengthen the federation, he claimed the 27th Amendment would achieve better governance and harmony among the provinces.
“Our diplomatic achievements and Pakistan’s enhanced global standing mirror the unity and coordination among all coalition partners,” he said, reiterating the country’s economic situation is gradually improving due to political stability and responsible governance. “With the grace of Allah, political and economic stability have set the nation on the correct path,” he said, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to ensure prosperity.
Opposition protest
Opposition parties Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUIF) and the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) boycotted the parliamentary committee.
Addressing a press conference, opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) said it was launching a nationwide protest movement against the 27th Amendment and called on the public to support it against the changes to the Constitution.
TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai dubbed the amendment “9/11 on Pakistan,” and vowed to resist its “attack” on the country’s democratic makeup. “We appeal to all sections of society that it is an attack on the foundation of the country, so all should rise and resist against the conspiracy to smash the Parliament,” he said. “We all should get united and make a system to protect the country before it gets too late, here people are being killed, and they are being pushed to take the weapons in their hands.”
According to the TTAP, it plans to convene a National Conference this week to devise strategies against the amendment. It said the day after its passage would be observed as a “Black Day,” with lawyers and citizens encouraged to wear black armbands. The alliance further plans to pen and publish articles in national and international newspapers against the amendment.
Earlier, during Senate proceedings, PTI Senator Ali Zafar reiterated his party’s opposition to the proposed amendment, claiming it was “weakening” the very foundation of the country. “This so-called Parliament does not have the authority to amend the Constitution,” he said, adding the proposed judicial reforms threatened the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.